@inbook {11971, title = {Infrared Thermography Systems}, booktitle = {The Encyclopedia of Imaging Science and Technology}, year = {2000}, abstract = {

Infrared (IR) thermographic systems, or IR imagers, provide images that represent surface temperatures, or thermograms, by measuring the magnitude of infrared radiation emanating from the surface of an object. Because IR imagers see the radiation naturally emitted by objects, imaging may be performed in the absence of any additional light source. Modern IR imagers resolve surface temperature differences of 0.1{\textdegree}C or less. With this high sensitivity, they can evaluate subtle thermal phenomena, which are only revealed in the form of slight temperature gradients. Some applications that employ IR thermography include: inspections for predictive maintenance, non-destructive evaluation of thermal and mechanical properties, building science, military reconnaissance and weapons guidance, and medical imaging.

Infrared thermography can be used as both a qualitative and a quantitative tool. Some applications do not require obtaining exact surface temperatures. In such cases, it is sufficient to acquire thermal signatures, characteristic patterns of relative temperatures of phenomena or objects. This method of qualitative visual inspection is expedient for collecting a large number of detailed data and conveying them in a fashion that can be easily interpreted. In contrast, accurate quantitative thermography demands a more rigorous procedure to extract valid temperature maps from raw thermal images. However, the extra effort can produce large arrays of high-resolution temperature data, which are unrivaled by contact thermal measurement techniques, such as using thermocouple wires.

A skilled operator of an IR thermographic system, or thermographer, must be conscious of the possibility that reflected or transmitted, rather than emitted, IR radiation may be emanating from an object. These additional sources manifest themselves as signals that appear to be, but are not actually, based exclusively on the temperature of the spot being imaged.

To understand the challenges and possibilities of IR thermography, it is first necessary to review the principles of physics on which it relies.



}, author = {Brent T. Griffith and Daniel Turler and Howdy Goudey and Dariush K. Arasteh} } @conference {12207, title = {Rapid field testing of low-emittance coated glazings for product verification}, booktitle = {ASHRAE/DOE/BTECC Conference, Thermal Performance of the Exterior Envelopes of Buildings VII}, year = {1998}, month = {12/1998}, address = {Clearwater Beach, Florida}, abstract = {

This paper analyzes prospects for developing a test device suitable for field verification of the types of low-emittance (low-e) coatings present on high-performance window products. Test devices are currently available that can simply detect the presence of low-e coatings and that can measure other important characteristics of high-performance windows, such as the thickness of glazing layers or the gap in dual glazings. However, no devices have yet been developed that can measure gas concentrations or distinguish among types of coatings. This paper presents two optical methods for verification of low-e coatings. The first method uses a portable, fiber-optic spectrometer to characterize spectral reflectances from 650 to 1,100 nm for selected surfaces within an insulated glazing unit (IGU). The second method uses an infrared-light-emitting diode and a phototransistor to evaluate the aggregate normal reflectance of an IGU at 940 nm. Both methods measure reflectance in the near (solar) infrared spectrum and are useful for distinguishing between regular and spectrally selective low-e coatings. The infrared-diode/phototransistor method appears promising for use in a low-cost, hand-held field test device.

}, author = {Brent T. Griffith and Christian Kohler and Howdy Goudey and Daniel Turler and Dariush K. Arasteh} } @article {11949, title = {Improving Computer Simulations of Heat Transfer for Projecting Fenestration products: Using Radiation View-Factor Models}, journal = {ASHRAE Transactions}, volume = {104, Part 1}, number = {Part 1}, year = {1997}, abstract = {

The window well formed by the concave surface on the warm side of skylights and garden windows can cause surface heat-flow rates to be different for these projecting types of fenestration products than for normal planar windows. Current methods of simulating fenestration thermal conductance (U-value) use constant boundary condition values for overall surface heat transfer. Simulations that account for local variations in surface heat transfer rates (radiation and convection) may be more accurate for rating and labeling window products whose surfaces project outside a building envelope. This paper, which presents simulation and experimental results for one projecting geometry, is the first step in documenting the importance of these local effects.

A generic specimen, called the foam garden window, was used in simulations and experiments to investigate heat transfer of projecting surfaces. Experiments focused on a vertical cross section (measurement plane) located at the middle of the window well on the warm side of the specimen. The specimen was placed between laboratory thermal chambers that were operated at American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) winter heating design conditions. Infrared thermography was used to map surface temperatures. Air temperature and velocity were mapped throughout the measurement plane using a mechanical traversing system. Finite-element computer simulations that directly modeled element-to-element radiation were better able to match experimental data than simulations that used fixed coefficients for total surface heat transfer. Air conditions observed in the window well suggest that localized convective effects were the reason for the difference between actual and modeled surface temperatures. U-value simulation results were 5 to 10\% lower when radiation was modeled directly.

}, author = {Brent T. Griffith and Dragan C. Curcija and Daniel Turler and Dariush K. Arasteh} } @conference {12008, title = {Laboratory Procedures for Using Infrared Thermography to Validate Heat Transfer Models}, booktitle = {ASTM Third Symposium on Insulation Materials: Testing and Applications}, volume = {3}, year = {1996}, month = {05/1997}, address = {Quebec City, Canada}, abstract = {


}, author = {Daniel Turler and Brent T. Griffith and Dariush K. Arasteh} } @conference {11817, title = {Energy Efficiency Improvements for Refrigerator/Freezers Using Prototype Doors Containing Gas-Filled Panel Insulating Systems}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the 46th International Appliance Technical}, year = {1995}, month = {05/1995}, address = {Urbana, IL}, abstract = {

Energy efficiency improvements in domestic refrigeratorlfreezers are directly influenced by the overall thermal performance of the cabinet and doors. An advanced system for reducing heat gain is Gas-Filled Panel thermal insulation technology. Gas-Filled Panels contain a low-conductivity, inert gas at atmospheric pressure and employ a reflective baffle to suppress radiation and convection within the gas. This paper presents energy use test results for a 1993 model 500 liter top mount refrigerator/freezer operated with its original doors and with a series of alternative prototype doors. Gas-Filled Panel technology was used in two types of prototype refrigeratorlfreezer doors. In one design, panels were used in composite with foam in standard metal door pans; this design yielded no measurable energy savings. In the other design, special polymer door pans were fitted with panels that fill nearly all of the available insulation volume; this design yielded a 6.5\% increase in energy efficiency for the entire refrigerator/freezer. The EPA Refrigerator Analysis computer program has been used to predict the change in daily energy consumption with the alternative doors. The computer model also projects a 25\% energy efficiency improvement for asrefrigerator/freezer that would use Gas-Filled Panel insulation throughout the cabinet as well as the doors.

}, author = {Brent T. Griffith and Dariush K. Arasteh and Daniel Turler} } @conference {11894, title = {Gas Filled Panels: An Update on Applications in the Building Thermal Envelope}, booktitle = {BETEC Fall Symposium, Superinsulations and the Building Envelope}, year = {1995}, month = {11/1995}, address = {Washington, DC}, abstract = {

This paper discusses the application of Gas-Filled Panels to the building thermal envelope. Gas-Filled Panels, or GFPs, are thermal insulating devices that retain a high concentration of a low-conductivity gas, at atmospheric pressure, within a multilayer infrared reflective baffle. The thermal performance of the panel depends on the type of gas fill and the baffle configuration. We present computer simulation results showing the improvement in thermal resistance resulting from using an argon-GFP in place of glass fiber batt insulation in wood-frame construction. This report also presents estimates of the quantity and cost of material components needed to manufacture GFPs using current prototype designs.

}, author = {Brent T. Griffith and Dariush K. Arasteh and Daniel Turler} } @techreport {58588, title = {An Infrared Thermography-Based Window Surface Temperature Database for the Validation of Computer Heat Transfer Models}, year = {1995}, month = {03/1995}, abstract = {



}, author = {Fredric A. Beck and Brent T. Griffith and Daniel Turler and Dariush K. Arasteh} } @conference {12004, title = {Issues Associated with the Use of Infrared Thermography for Experimental Testing of Insulated Systems}, booktitle = {Thermal Performance of the Exterior Envelopes of Buildings VI Conference }, year = {1995}, month = {12/1995}, address = {Clearwater Beach, FL}, abstract = {

Infrared scanning radiometers are used to generate temperature maps of building envelope components, including windows and insulation. These temperature maps may assist in evaluating components thermal performance. Although infrared imaging has long been used for field evaluations, controlled laboratory conditions allow improvements in quantitative measurements of surface temperature using reference emitter techniques.

This paper discusses issues associated with the accuracy of using infrared scanning radiometers to generate temperature maps of building envelope components under steady-state, controlled laboratory conditions. Preliminary experimental data are presented for the accuracy and uniformity of response of one commercial infrared scanner. The specified accuracy of this scanner for temperature measurements is 2 {\textdegree}C or 2\% of the total range of values (span) being measured. A technique is described for improving this accuracy using a temperature-controlled external reference emitter. Minimum temperature measurement accuracy with a reference emitter is estimated at {\textpm}0.5 {\textdegree}C for ambient air and background radiation at 21.1 {\textdegree}C and surface temperatures from 0 {\textdegree}C to 21 {\textdegree}C.

Infrared imaging, with a reference emitter technique, is being used to create a database of temperature maps for a range of window systems, varying in physical complexity, material properties, and thermal performance. The database is to be distributed to developers of fenestration heat transfer simulation programs to help validate their models. Representative data are included for two insulated glazing units with different spacer systems.

}, author = {Brent T. Griffith and Fredric A. Beck and Dariush K. Arasteh and Daniel Turler} } @article {1872, title = {Surface Temperatures of Insulated Glazing Units: Infrared Thermography Laboratory Measurements}, journal = {ASHRAE Transactions}, volume = {102}, year = {1995}, month = {12/1995}, abstract = {





}, author = {Fredric A. Beck and Brent T. Griffith and Daniel Turler and Dariush K. Arasteh} } @conference {12156, title = {Optimizing the Effective Conductivity and Cost of Gas-Filled Panel Thermal Insulations}, booktitle = {22nd International Thermal Conductivity Conference}, year = {1993}, month = {11/1993}, address = {Tempe, AZ}, abstract = {

